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The lectures and field trips were the highlights, with a great amount of engaging and educational content delivered by excellent guides. We enjoyed the company of our fellow travelers. The food and the staff onboard ship were superb. The night boat ride on the Seine was magical and memorable. We loved the opportunity to explore Honfleur. Visiting the Normandy beaches and cemeteries was a moving and educational experience. The tour of the hedgerows was especially powerful--an experience off the beaten track. Another such experience was the visit to Saint Wandrille, where Brother Lucien charmed and enlightened us. And what a treat to experience Rouen's light show on the façade of the cathedral at night! All of the field trips were worthwhile and enjoyable, and the timing was good--a good balance of program activities and free time. The program was accurately described as “active.”
We have one suggestion. We visited the most popular sites like the Louvre, Giverny and Mont St. Michel in the early to mid afternoons, when crowds peaked. If possible, Road Scholar should schedule those visits early, perhaps at the opening time, for a more pleasant experience.

The Seine:D-Day Beaches to Paris. We felt that our goal of visiting the WWll sites in Normandy was well-satisfied. The bonus was a very interesting and relaxing time spent on the riverboat France on the Seine. The trip combined education and adventure and we would recommend it. Thank you.
Bob and Lucy from Boston.

This trip gives a very extensive coverage of the Normandy invasion and surrounding events of World War II. It was very exciting and a fascinating learning experience even for me who has not particularly been interested in history in the past. The 6 night all-inclusive cruise through other parts of Normandy including visits to Giverny, Rouen, and especially Honfleur, was thoroughly enjoyable. The meals and wine served were delicious! We had a wonderful tour leader who was extremely knowledgeable.

a major drawback with road scholar is that they don't share information with participants. my concern was personal naturally. i requested to share my room with another traveler and when i asked road scholar advisers about my assigned roommate, they were not allowed to let me know anything. this is a major disappointment. my situation was that i met my roommate the first day in paris in the hotel we were suddenly assigned to upon learning two days before arriving in paris that the first hotel was bed bug infested. the desk clerk would not arrange for the separation of the beds and my roommate and i shared the attached beds (simply said, this was not at all comfortable). roommates should be able to discuss night habits as sleeping hours, snoring, light control, and door shutting. had i known about the difficult situation, i would have brought ear plugs, eye shades and other props to make the stay tolerable. i also would have slept on the floor(not much space allowed for this convenience) in the hotels and on ship (this would have been mighty difficult).
my roommate was not a mean person and in fact i never told her how i felt the entire time i spent on the tour.simply the placement and the time to know her was way too brief--and much too uncomfortable.

A really great trip. The river cruise is relaxing, food delicious with a French flair, wine was served with all lunches and dinners. The educational part of the trip was outstanding and speakers very knowledgeable. I especially ended the Beaches of Normandy, walking on them and hearing the stories of the D-day was very moving. Loved the ride in WWII truck.

Overall the program was very successful. The Road Scholar guides were very good and Olivier a fountain of knowledge about Normandy. The English and French guides to the D-Day sites were excellent. The French guide had an extraordinary knowledge of the over all Normandy campaign and a profound sense for the American and British sacrifices.
The Seine river part of the trip was full of unexpected discoveries. Honfleur, in addition to its charm, added greatly to our knowledge of the Viking origin of Brittany. The Monastery visit was interesting, especially the Monk guide who could make it as a stand-up comic should he ever leave the Monastery! Historic Rouen with beautiful churches, "clock" street and Jean d'Arc. Giverny was crowded as always yet beautiful and wonderful. Paris was agin excellent with a night tour by boat and two excellent local guides.
The Seine Princess was excellent. The crew and especially the chef were very good. Choice of 7 wines at lunch and dinner were unexpected...free drinks in the lounge didn't hurt!
Now for the only short comings. The location to the hotel at Trouville must have cost us at least an hour of time each day. While Trouville was charming and the hotel comfortable, I was here to learn about the D-Day sites. Clearly Caen and Bayeux were closer to the D-Day sights. I personally would have paid more to be more centrally located. Limiting the tour size to 30 or fewer people may make more hotel locations available. We were not told of the excellent museum at St Mere Eglise, perhaps due to limited time. The tour of Mt St Michel should probably have been the last of the D-Day sites visited, so the breakout from the Normandy beaches could have been emphasized, not to mention the rumored line from Patton that he'd buy the place after the war!

Betsy and David from Vernon, Vt
Number of Programs attended 1
Date attended: 05/15/15 - 05/28/15
This trip far exceeded the expectations of my husband and myself. The visit to Normandy, the beaches, the cemeteries, the lectures were so informative. The boat ride on the Seine was relaxing and scenic. Coming into Paris at night was a forever memory. Fantastic guides, food and friends all part of this adventure.

This was my first visit to France and it was an outstanding introduction to the country. Our group leaders and guest lecturers were fantastic. There were 41 participants and the group leaders kept us together with gracious directions and information. Rain gear was needed but in general May weather was comfortable. My walking stick was useful for balance on the cobble stone streets. I appreciated the location of our hotels. It was easy to take extra walks during our free time.

Fantastic trip!! Really liked having 4 days on the Normandy coast and time to see all 5 D-Day Beaches plus Mt. St. Michel. The river cruise up the Seine to Paris was relaxing and educational. Monet's gardens and house were a delight. Loved arriving in Paris at night after dark and seeing the Eiffel Tours sparkle. Meal time was always a joy as we change tables each meal to enjoy the company of varying groups of fellow travelers. All the other travelers were fun to be with and shared many different stories.

I had signed up for this trip because I thought I would love the Seine river boat cruise. I did love the Seine cruise especially the visits to Honfleur, Rouen, and Giverny. But the real treat turned out to be the Normandy Beaches and all that I didn't know about what life was like in Normandy prior to the D-Day Invasion. This was a great learning experience.

The recent D-Day Experience with Road Scholar was outstanding! The guides were all terrifically well versed and interesting; the food on the riverboat part of the tour was beyond fantastic - SO much of it! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants an in-depth discovery of the D-Day Beaches and a delightful river-boat ride to Paris.

Reading the accounts of our brave troops on D-Day is inspiring but there's nothing like actually visiting the terrain and on our trip, under similar adverse weather conditions, to really give one a fuller appreciation of the magnitude of the challenges they faced. As others have stated, our primary guides Jean-Pierre and Olivier were superb; they were incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtful. Libby was also helpful. Normandy was a lovely surprise, a picturesque and well-maintained environment (not true of some other French areas) and still mindful of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion several months afterward. The Seine cruise was also a delight, wonderful food and attentive staff, and very relaxing. One caution: if you request a double bed it is located against the wall so one of you will be crawling over the end of the bed to exit. Fortunately on our end of the season tour our fellow Road Scholars were the ship's only passengers so the ship had a more intimate feel and it was easy to switch to two twin beds, which my husband and I did.

I can't state it any better than Valerie Jill and Susan have already, except to emphasize how superb the guides were --- I have traveled a lot and Jean-Pierre and Olivia were the best I have experienced and learned from. The variety of experiences was outstanding !!! Will be looking for more Road Scholar trips.

This is our second RS trip and we both loved all of it. The guides were amazing in the scope and depth of their knowledge. The food was great and the entire staff and crew on the ship were outstandingly helpful and accommodating.

I would encourage anyone interested in an in depth study of WWII in Normandy, to consider this program. It was incredibly educational with expert leaders and guides.The accommodations were very good and the food in France outstanding. A wonderful experience!

Many touching learning experiences rolled into one unique trip: D-Day sites; impressionist artists and museums; informative lectures; lovely people; a relaxing boat ride on the Seine with tasty food and wine. I can see why this is one of RS's most popular excursions.

Outstanding trip. It was beyond our expectations. I came away with a deeper respect for the troops involved during the Normandy invasion. Our guides were well informed and a perfect complement to the trip. We loved our experience in Paris; the hotels, meal plans and the river cruise. For a once in a lifetime trip, I can't say I went away with any feelings of missing out on anything.

There is a lot of walking and then standing for 15 or 20 minutes listening to a tour guide. Suggest cane chair for those with leg problems. Lots of stair climbing at St. Michel. Sit at a café while others climb to top.

The D-Day part was wonderful. No other tour company that I saw had the 3 days in depth info and I loved all of that. I'm sure other tours just skip over a lot but 3 days really gave you a chance to absorb it. Especially good as 70 year anniversary.

This was a great trip. Our guide (Olivier) was outstanding. the local guides in Normandy and Paris were also good and very knowledgeable. The rive cruise was exceptional. Be prepared for the weather. We did have a little rain and wind so a good protective coat is a good idea. The cuisine was unbelievable.

The Normandy D-Day Seine River cruise was the trip of a lifetime. The instructors were amazing. Except for the gunfire and smells of the battle I felt like I experienced D-Day first hand. We also had the unique opportunity to have a 93 year old D-Day pilot of a P 47 as one of our trip mates. Gordon Edgett gave us personal accounts of his experiences and we found the airfield where he was stationed.

If you want a hands on detailed education on the Normandy invasion, this is definitely the trip for you. You walk in the steps of Major Howard on the Pegasus Bridge, follow in the steps of the 29th on Omaha Beach, and feel the anguish of the 89th Airborne at St Miere Eglese. You will sense the feeling of the French during the occupation of Paris, and enjoy the city in its splendor. If you have treking poles, you should bring at least one. It will be helpful at least for the climb at Mount St. Michel.
If you are on the Seine Princess, be prepared to be amazed with the extensive wine collection, the creativeness of the Chef, and the hospitable service. Enjoy.

This trip was just the right combination of learning and relaxation. The in-depth D-Day portion was first rate and we were inspired by the knowledge and commitment of Jean Pierre. Olivier was a delight and kept our program humming. His sense of humor and passion for his country and culture is contagious. The cruise down the Seine into Paris is not to be missed. A real treat at the end of our journey. Also, two thumbs up for Brad Newfield our American guide in Paris. His knowledge and delivery style provided a unique and refreshing American perspective to the history of such an iconic and enchanting city.

This was our first RS trip. Wow! The trip was wonderful from beginning to end. The trip exceeded my expectations on every level. I was expecting that the history of the D Day battles and beaches would be interesting, but the depth and detail that the RS tour and the guides that you chose to lead us, were exceptional. I cannot speak highly enough of Olivier. I can say without hesitation that he is the most professional and gracious country host that I have encountered. The group of travelers on the trip were an added benefit. A congenial and entertaining group! Thanks to RS for making this trip such a treat!

We just returned from the D Day/Seine River Trip, our first Road Scholar excursion. Wow! I think 3 things made the trip for us: our Group Leader, Olivier, our guide for the Normandie beaches, and the impeccable execution of the trip. As I said to Olivier when we boarded the bus at the end of our Louvre tour, which was our last planned outing, “this has been flawless.” Transportation was where it was supposed to be at the time it was supposed to be. We arrived at restaurants, hotels, and museums and we were taken care of without delay. I especially loved that we were often the first tour of the morning when we arrived at popular venues, like Pegasus Bridge and the Monet gardens and home.
Olivier has a command of history, art and architecture and an incredible memory for dates. He is also a good storyteller, adding humor and amusing anecdotes. He shared stories of growing up in Normandie, and I felt like I had an old friend by the time our tour was over.
Jean Pierre, our local guide for the Normandie beaches, imparted the story of D Day with reverence for the men who served and sacrificed in the liberation of France. He was born a few years after the invasion and I’m certain he grew up with stories about the bravery and courage of the “American boys”, as he called them. He’s passionate in his desire to preserve World War II history for the next generations.
I now know why this is a top rated Road Scholar trip!

Date attended: 10/18. - 10/31/2013
We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this tour. We had a very informed Normandy Guide touring the beaches and all the sites recreating the battles. Reading Atkinson and Ambrose before the tour made the visit even more exciting. The accommodations, the comfortable buses, seeing the Bayreaux Tapestry, Mont St. Michel, and the luxurious boat ride up the Seine starting at Honfleur and stopping at Rouen and Giverney made for a fascinating and thorough visit of Normandy. We ended the tour with several walking tours of historic Paris and Paris during the occupation. An unexpected pleasure was the congeniality of the group who were terrific travel companions. Our guide, Oliviar, was extremely efficient and helpful. We would recommend this tour for anyone interested in WW II, French History, Paris and comfortable travel.

This is a great program for anyone interested in learning about what happened on the Normandy Beaches on D-Day. The Seine cruise is delightful with many interesting stops. Staying in Paris just completes this outstanding program.

Our recent tour to the Normandy Beaches, and return to Paris by river barge, was the best tour I have ever taken. Everything exceeded my expectations, with each day surpassing the previous day for new & exciting adventures. The organization, and planning was exceptional. Olivier Horsaville was the best ever. The riverboat staff was the outstanding. They were accommodating, and friendly. I will definitely recommend Road Scholar to friends , and family.

We just took our first Road Scholar tour. It was well presented, well organized and went beyond our expectations. We went on the DDay to Paris on the Seine and highly recommend this trip to anyone who has an interest. In fact, my husband was the one with the interest in the first place. It did not take me longer than the first day to become very interested also. Loved it!!

This was a fabulous program and I would recommend it to anyone. It is important to remember the lessons of WWII and I learned much more than I thought I would. The additional art and historical components made this a program very interesting and fun. As usual, the Road Scholar tour leaders were the best.

My husband and I had originally planned to see the Normandy D Day beaches and that area on our own, but I am so glad we went with the Road Scholar program instead. We met wonderful, interesting people in the participants as well as the very knowledgeable and warm tour guide and lecturers. Our accommodations were also comfortable and centrally located for all of the activities. I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in all things WWII and D Day!

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